It has taken a while, but I finally tracked him down - Newcastle United commissionaire Gary McAlpine.

The only man who knew what really happened when Sir Alex Ferguson was sent off by Uriah Rennie at St James' Park a fortnight ago.

Gary's beat is the main Milburn reception area, where the security guys have a little television under their desks so that they can discreetly watch the matches.

That's what Gary was doing when Sir Alex burst in "with a face like thunder" after his little set-to with Uriah and Jeff Winter.

Sir Alex then asked the quickest way to the directors box - until he heard some commentary coming from Gary's telly.

He asked if it was THE match and was told it was. And without being invited or asked, Sir Alex plonked himself alongside Gary and started to watch the match. And as is his custom, he was chewing furiously.

When Alan Shearer put United in front, Sir Alex never said a word or batted an eyelid. But the chewing became more furious. And louder and louder.

When the half-time whistle went, Sir Alex was up and off like a shot.

And Gary never saw him again until he left the stadium full of smiles after Manchester United's victory.